Juventus rival Napoli for Manchester United midfield star

Manchester United enter a critical stretch of the season with pressure building on Ruben Amorim after Monday night’s damaging defeat at Old Trafford, a result that ended the team’s recent unbeaten run and reopened concerns about consistency.

Supporters have been vocal about the need for stronger performances in midfield, especially with injuries and rotation disrupting any sense of rhythm in United’s play.

Amorim himself has stressed that competition for places remains fierce, yet several squad members are still struggling to secure meaningful minutes as the campaign intensifies.

The club’s recruitment team is already preparing for January, with multiple enquiries expected both incoming and outgoing as part of INEOS’ long-term restructuring strategy.

And with more European sides monitoring Old Trafford closely than at any point this season, renewed interest in one young Red appears to be accelerating behind the scenes.

That focus has now turned sharply towards a United midfielder whose lack of consistent game time is pushing him nearer to the exit.

The 20-year-old was handed his longest Premier League appearance since August during the defeat to Everton, but the increased minutes did little to change the outlook regarding his Old Trafford future.

Kobbie Mainoo has been on the radar of Serie A clubs for months, with Antonio Conte’s Napoli initially seen as the frontrunners given their earlier attempts to explore a potential move.

A transfer to Naples would also allow him to reconnect with former teammates Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund, both of whom have revived their careers since relocating to Italy.

However, a new contender has now stepped forward, one with even stronger historical ties to United.

According to TuttoJuve, Juventus have intensified their interest, with the Italian outlet describing the situation as “Pogba 2.0”.

Much like Paul Pogba during his first spell at Old Trafford, Mainoo’s extraordinary technical quality is not translating into regular starts, leaving foreign clubs confident they can lure him away.

The youngster’s press resistance, spatial awareness and composure have earned admiration from both fans and scouts, yet Amorim has preferred the experience of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in his 3-4-3 system.

Manuel Ugarte, signed for £42m from PSG, has struggled to offer stability, while Mainoo’s less defensive profile has limited his opportunities in a role demanding high physical output.

With England’s midfield depth rising, featuring Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Alex Scott, consistent minutes are crucial if Mainoo aims to keep himself in contention for the 2026 World Cup.

United are now open to letting him leave if a suitable January offer arrives, and Juventus believe the pathway is clearer than ever.

For Kobbie Mainoo, whose ambition and development depend on regular first-team action, a move abroad may soon become the most realistic solution.

And for United, it marks another difficult crossroads in their rebuild, balancing potential with necessity as Europe’s biggest clubs circle.